Bicycle saddle to reduce perineal pressure

Abstract

A bicycle saddle adapted to reduce pressure on a rider's perineum zone including a shell having a support portion for the ischial tuberosities and a narrow nose portion extending forward of the support portion. A channel of sloped depth runs substantially the length of the nose portion and follows the dimensions of the human body. The channel is depressed at a shoulder of the support portion so that little or no pressure is applied by the saddle to the central point of the perineal body. An air filled elastic member may be provided in the channel.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 631,344, filed Jan. 3, 2012, for Bicycle Seat.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a bicycle saddle with a bladder filled groove for applying variable degrees of pressure to a rider's perineum zone.[0004]2. Brief Description of the Prior Art[0005]The pelvic girdle has two ischial tuberosities commonly called “sit bones” covered with muscle and fat which are ideal for supporting the body. Sitting on a chair is not risky for sexual structures as no organs are attach to the ischial tuberosities, and no nerves and blood vessels are related to them but sitting on and straddling a bicycle saddle is. This is because some of a rider's weight is transferred to the pubic ischial-rami, to which sexual structures attach and are consequently compressed.[0006]The perineum zone is an area between the anus and the base of the penis in the case of a male and the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a bicycle saddle that reduces pressure on a rider's perineum zone, which is the area between the rider's genital area and their pelvis. The saddle has a channel in the nose portion that matches the dimensions of the human body and is designed to position under the rider's perineum zone. An air filled elastic member is placed in the channel to provide cushioned contact with the rider's perineum zone. This design helps to reduce the likelihood of discomfort or injury during prolonged cycling activities.

Problems solved by technology

Pressure on pudendal nerves between a bicycle seat and the pelvic bones can cause temporary numbness or pain.

While most cases are reversible and temporary, there have been reports of long-term sexual dysfunction.

Pressure in the perineum zone also compresses the pudendal arteries which may cause temporary erectile disfunction, and repeated flattening of them may cause impotence.

Perineal pain, numbness and erectile disfunction are significant drawbacks to an otherwise healthy and enjoyable sport for a serious bicycle rider.

The channel may make the saddle uncomfortable when the bicycle is ridden in any weather and some riders complain that no perineal support is uncomfortable and that sitting on the saddle feels like sitting on a groove.

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